This began from an idea I had when planning my Fall 2013 classes. I wanted a wallhanging that could be seasonal, but not just “Christmasy” or something that would work year round in your house. I didn’t want it large (no larger than 40″x40″) so just one piece would be needed for the backing. I also wanted it to look striking while not using too many techniques.

Carpenter’s Star

Inspired by the beautiful red & white quilts in this show, I found my color palette & after searching through some old quilting books, I chose the traditional Carpenter’s Star pattern. To add dimension to what could be a “flat” quilt, I chose four different red fabrics that had the same hue (red), but with slightly different shades (degree of blackness) to give the quilt depth. After it was pieced, I liked it, but I still didn’t love it.

Then I put it on the quilting frame.

Carpenter’s Star

Sometimes it takes a while for the quilt to tell me what design it wants, but this quilt screamed feathers from the very beginning.

I chose a traditional, formal feather in a curvy spine to be quilted in the red to emphasis the depth of the colors. The white took a bit longer to decide on a pattern, but I knew I didn’t want more feathers (I thought that would take away from the other feathers). I kept coming back to the fact that every time I looked at this quilt I saw the star exploding & I wanted something that would emphasis the radiance of the star. I opted for straight lines to balance the curves of the feathers & in the ended decided to go with a triple stitch to really give the quilt a striking look.

Feathered Star

I truly could not be happier with this quilt. It is everything I imagined it would be, yet didn’t think I could do. Because friends, this was the first time I quilted the formal, longarm feather on a quilt. After years of practice & never being quite happy with them, I think I’ve finally got it!

And guess who can’t stop using that feather design?

Linking up with the Blogger’s Quilt Festival on Amy’s Creative Side: (And go check out the rest of the quilts! They’re amazing!)